I’ve been overjoyed by the response to Matt Godfrey’s readings of Video Night (over 130 ratings and reviews on Audible! Have you left one?) and Exponential. But while those novels were a perfect fit for Godfrey’s sultry baritone, The Summer Job demands a more feminine touch. Godfrey referred me to Stacey Glemboski (much like Con Season, Tribesmen, and Zero Lives Remaining narrator Joe Hempel referred me to Godfrey), who, I have to admit, absolutely leveled me with her performance.

Glemboski’s reading and vocal cast of characters is eerie, thoughtful, soulful and sometimes downright scary. I can’t think of a better narrator for this book. A book that Bloody Disgusting called “The textbook definition of a nail-biter... Cesare’s best novel yet.” and LitReactor hailed as having “one the best and scariest openings to a horror novel I’ve ever read…The rest of the novel is equally great.”

While Summer Job has done well, it hasn’t achieved the sales success that Video Night has, and for a long time that’s kind of bugged me. While I’d never say one of my books is better than the other, I will say that The Summer Job feels more personal, a full articulation of the folk horror/satanic panic vibe I was going for.

And, because it’s really flattering, I’ll end this blog with one more blurb, this one from Complex: “Cesare’s latest is a knockout…There’s a potent retro vibe running through Cesare’s work, in general–he’s the closest thing literary horror has to its own Jim Mickle or Ti West.”

Oh, and one more thing: if you were planning on listening to this book shirtless, maybe don’t. Cover yourself with the official Summer Job T-shirt, designed by creepyguy wunderkind Trevor Henderson. You can grab that here.

A few months ago an editor at BOOM! Studios got in touch with me and asked if I would be interested in pitching a story for this year’sAdventure Time SpOooktacularcomic book.

My response of “Hell yes I would!” broke the email sound barrier.

The annual-sized issue focuses on Peppermint Butler, everyone’s shady confectionary valet. The issue also features stories by Grady Hendrix (the awesome My Best Friend’s Exorcism and Paperbacks from Hell), Nebula and World Fantasy award winner Alyssa Wong (!), and animator and Lovecraft scholar Chris Lackey. The supernaturally-talented Christine Larsen provided the art for my story and her work truly has to be seen to be believed.

Writing for comics has been a lifelong dream and now that I have my first professional comic book story coming out on October 11th, I need your help.

If you want to pick up this fine Halloween-themed issue the best way to do that is to go to your local comic book store before October 11th and ask them to reserve you a copy of the Adventure Time 2017 SpOooktacular. Pre-ordering this way helps me/us/your local small business the most. And I’m sure your local comic book guy/gal would love to see you.

Not something I usually get to say about my work, but: this comic is 100% appropriate for your kids. And the stories stand alone, so even if you aren’t familiar with Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time (you should be, it’s incredible), you’ll still find something to giggle about.

As a quick tip for anyone who’s purchased the paperback editions of any of these books (even if they were the old editions): through Kindle Matchbook you’re eligible to get a FREE ebook copy of the new edition. Just make sure you’re logged into the same Amazon account and that the kindle book rings up $0.00 before you click to purchase. Even if you’re a technophobe: claim your free ebooks because it helps out the books visibility on Amazon.

If you’re not looking to check out my words but would instead like to watch me rant about books and movies: I also have you covered there. Last week’s episode of Project: Black T-Shirt is a top 5 list of the “Best Vampire Novels You Haven’t Read”! The trick is that you may have read a few of them, but at least we have a fun discussion in the comments. Click here to watch that. Be sure to hit the “Subscribe” button while you’re over there.

If you’re watching that and thinking: “Boy, I love black t-shirts too but I wish I had one with my favorite Long Island alien invasion novel” than I ALSO have you covered there.

Beyond that: I want to here from you. Consider signing up for the mailing list if you haven’t by clicking the “Free Short Read” button at the top of this page, I’ll send you an exclusive ebook for your troubles.

Just wanted to check in and consolidate some updates that I may or may not have been able to sprinkle into your Facebook or twitter feeds.

First and foremost, I was recently a guest on the Scream Addicts podcast. If you haven’t heard of the show: it’s got a neat premise. Each episode features a guest from the horror community who comes locked-and-loaded, ready to discuss a single film in-depth. The host, Jason “Jinx” Jenkins, is a hell of a conversationalist and each episode takes the examination of the chosen movie in a surprising and intelligent direction.

If you’re looking to hear me talk about movies, but aren’t into an hour-long investment, or maybe you just want to see my dumb face: Project: Black T-Shirt is still going strong on YouTube. If either of these episodes sound like something you’re into, I encourage you to like, comment, and subscribe to the channel because I cover this kind of stuff weekly (well, kinda weekly…).

You may notice that all three of those above links have nothing to do with writing, publishing, or (most importantly) asking you to buy/review stuff. Well, as I write this it’s a couple of days out from Christmas, so you should definitely consider picking up one of my books. They make great(ish) gifts! If you’ve already bought and read one of my books, you should know that honest Amazon reviews are the best gift an author can receive.

But seriously: this year started off with the release of Zero Lives Remaining and ended with the debut of The Con Season. In the middle there were a number of short story publications, columns, a novella collaboration, the re-release of a short story collaboration, and even a non-fiction essay about fishing (?!). I’m proud of the material I’ve produced in 2016, but I wouldn’t have made it through the year without the support of my friends and readers. By which I mean to say: thank you!

2016 may have been aight, but what I’m really pumped for is 2017. I can’t say too much, but I will say that things are going to be both familiar and different.

I hope you’re facing the new year with the same giddiness and optimism. And that your holidays are joyous and gore-soaked.

First of all: thanks to everyone who came out to the KGB Bar reading last week. Brian Keene, Mary SanGiovanni, Nick Cato, and Leza Cantoral were all awesome. And an extra special big thanks to Christoph Paul for hosting and inviting me to participate.

But speaking of Christoph, I give his new horror film poetry book a shout out in this week’s episode of Project Black T-Shirt. We also discuss the Netflix original film I Am the Pretty Thing that Lives in the House(2016), written and directed by Osgood Perkins and starring Ruth Wilson. I liked it a lot, but click here to find out why.

Another huge thanks to author/photographer Jonathan Lees, who took this awesome picture while I was reading:

The week before that I was reviewing Shin Godzilla, which I caught during its limited theatrical run and lived to tell the tale about. That’s right here.

Other than that, things are all quiet on my front. My newest novel, The Con Season, has been selling unbelievably well, probably due to the release of the audiobook and the kind words from everyone who’s taken the time to leave an Amazon review. Just a quick public service reminder that the audiobook’s actually cheaper if you buy the Kindle version ($2.99) and then the audio ($1.99) as opposed to buying the audio straight-out.

It’s been a spell (a couple months) since I checked in on the blog and offered an update. If you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube I’ve been just as gabby as usual.

Project: Black T-Shirt has been going strong, with weekly video uploads and this week’s is one I’m particularly proud of. It’s a list of 6 great books to get you in that Halloween state-of-mind. Authors like Paul Tremblay, Gillian Flynn, and Bracken MacLeod show up, so please go check it out here. If you’ve got titles of your own you’d like to share: please speak up in the comments.

Speaking of Bracken MacLeod: we’re going to be selling books next weekend at Rock and Shock in Worcester, MA. Author Patrick Lacey will also be joining us at the table, so if you’re going to be at the con: please come by the table and say hi. Maybe even buy a book, both Pat and Bracken have new ones (Dream Woodsand Stranded, respectively).

Rock and Shock is always a great time (I’ve been going since the second year, and even though I now live in Philly it’s a great excuse to go sip Dunkin Donuts in New England once a year). It’s a special show: if you’re in the area I guarantee you’ll be happy you went.

Also, if you’re tracking my movements: I’ll be reading at KGB Bar in NYC on October 26th along with Brian Keene, Mary SanGiovanni, Nick Cato, and Christoph Paul (who’s also hosting). If you’re a New Yorker or are willing to travel: I’d love to see you.

Lastly but not leastly: if you’re looking for a NEW Halloween treat from me I’ve got a story in Jack Bantry’s new collection Splatterpunk’s Not Dead! There are a ton of great authors in here, and it’s all new stories, so you don’t have to worry about getting skunked with a reprint. My story “Please Subscribe” has already been selected for next year’s Year’s Best Hardcore Horror from Comet Press. So I’m happy with it.

Other than that, no big publishing news. I’m slowly chipping away at a number of projects, all of them still secret at this point. While you’re waiting for the new stuff: have you read The Con Season? If so: leave a review and then go check out some of the authors in the video at the top of this post.

So, we’re two weeks after The Con Season‘s ebook release and I am overwhelmed by the response. If you still haven’t picked it up, you can fix that here. And if you’re not a fan of ebooks: the paperback version has just arrived! In addition to the softcover: I’ve inked a deal with Joe Hempel to narrate the audiobook, and negotiations are currently ongoing for a limited edition hardcover (though if you are looking to wait for these other editions: I’d ask you consider picking up the ebook in the meantime, since it’s probably the purchase that does me the most good, for both visibility and money).

To promote the book and talk a little more about the inception of Black T-Shirt Books, I conducted this long-form interview with Gabino Iglesias at HorrorTalk. We touch on a lot of fun stuff, like a Con Season-themed playlist, the joys of collaboration, and film adaptations.

All those are excellent links, and I thank anyone who’s taken the time to review the book for a blog/website. But the real superstars, for me, are the 13 readers who picked up the book on Amazon or read it through the Kindle Unlimited program, and then took the time to leave a brief review on Amazon. If you’ve read the book: PLEASE consider taking a few minutes and leaving a review, if you haven’t. Those reviews lead to more visibility which leads to more sales and more reviews. If do one thing to say thanks to an author you enjoy: make it an Amazon review.

That’s it for today. Quick post. BTW: this week’s video is a Top Five list of Herschell Gordon Lewis films. Because I met the man last week. Watch it here.

To cap off years of questionable financial and personal decisions, Clarissa accepts an invitation to participate in a “fully immersive” fan convention. She arrives at an off-season summer camp and finds what was supposed to be a quick buck has become a real-life slasher movie.

Deep in the woods of Kentucky with a supporting cast of B-level celebrities, Clarissa must fight to survive the deadly game that the con’s organizers have rigged against her.

A demented, funny, bloody, and strangely-poignant horror novel from the acclaimed author of Tribesmen, Zero Lives Remaining, and Mercy House.

Or all of that could be me trying to justify them simply not liking the book. I’m big enough to admit that.

But enough about the past! Let’s talk about the future. More specifically, let’s talk about Black T-Shirt Books!

Boom! We got a logo and everything. Huge thanks to Chris Enterline for getting that done.

I wasn’t messing around in last month’s post where I claimed to have “contingency plans” in place for The Con Season. As touched as I am at all the messages of condolence that I’ve received for being passed by Scout: really, it’s cool, nobody died!

I entered into this campaign knowing that having the book rejected was a very real possibility. I had to hand KS a completely edited manuscript and final cover art: so I was always viewing the program as an experiment in self-publishing.

And now that experiment is live and YOU get to decide if it keeps going or not.

I know I harp on the need for reviews (seriously, not just my books, if you read ANY book and like it: please review that ish on Amazon, you’ll be helping make quality writing more visible). But this time, since Black T-Shirt books is me doing this all by myself without the backing of a publisher, reviews are doubly important. As is word of mouth, shares on Facebook and Twitter, and updates to your Goodreads.

And if the Black T-Shirt Books experiment doesn’t succeed? Well, then it’s back to the drawing board, because we all know I’ve got schemes and machinations and secret-books for miles. 🙂

Thanks so much for everything, guys and gals, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the support.